What is it like to live in the West End of Alameda?
We are considering moving to Alameda from SF since we just had a baby and are trying to find more space and good schools, and I work on the island already (actually on the West End). All of the newish houses in developments on the West Side seem good from a size and proximity to my work, however I'm curious what it's actually like to live in a community like that? Does anyone know what it's like to live in them (e.g. are the HOAs strict, can you meet neighbors easily, are there a lot of other families with younger kids?) They are all mainly in liquefaction zones -- is that concerning to people living in them?
Jun 30, 2023
Parent Replies
Hi! We live in the West End and moved from Oakland at the end of 2021. I cannot say enough good things! We don't live in one of the new developments, so I can't speak to the HOA/community vibe. However, life in the West End is REALLY great. We love biking to the breweries and now to the amazing bakery/coffee shop (Firebrand). Our older son does camps at Bladium, the playgrounds are great, and we've been really happy with his school. We also walk or bike to the farmers market 2x a week, and being by the water is so helpful (I did a lot of stroller walks by the beach when my baby hit the witching hour!). I take the ferry to work in SF (super easy with the new Seaplane terminal), and my husband bikes to the bus to work in downtown Oakland. If I sound a little hyped up on Alameda, it is likely because we spent the day at the 4th of July Parade yesterday, and everyone kept saying "Alameda is so great!" And I totally agree.